Be Known for Something Good

Today is the Fourth of July, Independence Day in America. It is the day we remember the founders and principles of our nation. These great men are remembered for their courage and faithfulness to freedom. They weren’t perfect, but they stood for the ideal of perfect freedom.

Brethren, to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written. “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So each of us shall give account of himself to God. Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for any one who thinks it unclean. If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit; he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Romans 14.9-18

Although the founding fathers of the United States were not Orthodox Christian, they stood for a principle that is at the very foundation of our salvation. Freedom is gift from God that cannot be taken away. We are each free to live as we think we should. We are each free to love and hate those we choose. We are each free to believe in God or not to believe.

Saint Paul’s message today is about freedom as much as it is about praising God. His question, “Why do you pass judgement on your brother?” can just as easily be for us today as it was for the Romans two thousand years ago. It is also the only way we can live in our pluralistic society today.

Today is the commemoration of Saint Andrew of Crete. Among other things, he is best known as the author of the Great Canon read during Great Lent. The Great Canon is a poetic hymn sung about repentance. I’m sure he did many other wonderful things, but his memory is synonymous with repentance.

Saint Paul is known for his great missionary work. His is known for his commitment to brining the Gospel of Christ to the gentiles for their salvation. He taught constantly about our responsibility to each other as Christians. He was willing to do anything to avoid causing sin in his brothers.

What are you known for? Is your judgement of others what will be remembered, or will you be known for your repentance? Do you honor freedom in others, or will you be thought of as a dictator? Even when we urge others to run away from evil, we must be careful not to betray their freedom.

We will all be judged by God. ALL OF US! Instead of being known for interfering in the lives of others, try honoring their freedom. Unless you are in a direct role of responsibility for the actions of others, focus on your repentance and your actions. Prepare for your judgment before panicking about their judgment.

It is better to be known as the Orthodox Christian who honored the freedom of others rather than the pushy Orthodox Christian who chased others away from God. It be better to be known for something good.